PCV2 will feature prominently on the agenda at the Pig Veterinary Society’s autumn meeting on November 16/17. In a session sponsored by Merial, two leading experts will present different aspects of PCV2.

PCV2 will feature prominently on the agenda at the Pig Veterinary Society’s autumn meeting on November 16 and 17 at the East Midlands Hilton Hotel. In a session sponsored by Merial Animal Health on the first day of the conference two leading experts will present different aspects of PCV2.

Dr. Kenneth McCullough, head of research at Switzerland’s Institute of Virology and Immunoprophylaxis, will be talking about the impact of PCV2 in the immune system. He will explain how it impairs the immune response of the pigs and why early protection is essential to the protection of the pigs.

Thais Vila, technical director for EMEA for swine products at Merial Animal Health, will be talking about PCV2 vaccination. She will explain how it can now be used to provide protection in piglets, gilts and sows – providing full control and flexibility to prevent losses from service to slaughter.

Brian Rice, veterinary adviser with Merial said: “Since its identification in the 1990s, PCV2 has been shown to have significant health and economic effects on pigs around the world. Estimates indicate that it may have cost the European industry alone anything up to £468 or €562 million per annum. PCV2 and the diseases that it causes remain a very real threat. Furthermore, recent research has established that PCV2 has a significant effect on sow reproduction, adding to the economic effect of the disease.

“These sessions will undoubtedly help delegates to improve their understanding of PCV2 and its effect on the immune system, as well as the treatment options open to them.”